Naala Badu, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art, architecture and landscape connect in Naala Badu’s light-filled pavilions, graceful outdoor terraces and reclaimed underground fuel bunker
10am–4pm
About the building
Naala Badu, which means ‘seeing waters’, is the Art Gallery of New South Wales’ award-winning building opened in 2022. Located adjacent to the original building, now named Naala Nura, which means ‘seeing Country’, Naala Badu capitalises on the beauty of its parkland setting as it cascades towards the harbour and captures panoramic views.
Pritzker Prize–winning Japanese architects SANAA designed the building, supported by local firm Architectus. Its interlocking light-filled, limestone-clad pavilions and outdoor art terraces step down towards Sydney Harbour. On the lowest level of the building, a decommissioned World War II naval fuel bunker, now known as the Tank, has been transformed into a unique art destination.
Art spaces within Naala Badu include a column-free gallery and a gallery for time-based art. The Yiribana Gallery at entry level displays the Art Gallery’s collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. In the Tank, Mike Hewson’s exhibition The Key’s Under the Mat reimagines the subterranean space as a vibrant art park – a sculptural neighbourhood where visitors can meet, dwell, play, make, perform, explore and more. Sydney Open visitors will have exclusive access to free behind-the-scenes architectural tours of Naala Badu.
Talks, tours and more
Built
2022
Architect
SANAA
Architectus
Awards
Australian Steel Institute National Excellence Awards – National Award for Large Buildings over $10 million, 2024 (with Arup)
Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Award – National Award for Public Architecture, 2023
Australian Institute of Architects NSW Architecture Awards – Sulman Medal for Public Architecture, 2023
Australian Interior Design Awards – Public Design, 2023
Green Building Council of Australia – 6 Star Green Star Design and As Built certified rating award, 2018, 2023
Find out more about this building here
Naala Badu, Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney
Entry details
Naala Badu will be open to the public. Sydney Open visitors will have exclusive access to tours of Naala Badu
10am–4pm
3.30pm
Talks, tours and more
Need to know
Accessible featuresAll areas are accessible via lifts, ramps and elevators. The main entrance to Naala Badu has a gentle gradient. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available for use within the Art Gallery for free. Accessible toilet available and Changing Places facilities available
Lines expectedToilets availableBaby changing facilities
Photography allowedPhotography of non-public, back-of-house areas is not allowed
Food and drink availableThe Art Gallery Restaurant, Crafted by Matt Moran; The Gallery Cafe; MOD Dining; Kiosk
